Destination McDowell Heritage Trail Digital Passport powered by LoyalBrew

McDowell Heritage Trail
Welcome to the McDowell Heritage Trail, your gateway to exploring the rich history and vibrant culture of McDowell County, North Carolina. This digital passport invites you to embark on a journey through time, uncovering the stories, landmarks, and legacies that have shaped our community. From the ancient paths of the Native American tribes to the pivotal events of the Revolutionary War and beyond, the McDowell Heritage Trail offers a unique, interactive experience for history enthusiasts of all ages. Discover hidden gems, earn a reward, and connect with the past like never before as you explore McDowell County’s heritage.

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Linville Caverns, Come See Inside a Mountain.

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Deep inside Humpback Mountain nature has sculpted a masterpiece in stone. Slow moving groundwater has created the intricate underground passages of Linville Caverns. Come experience NC's only show cavern and and learn about how these features were made and discovered.

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Davidson’s Fort

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Originally built on the land grant property of the Davidson family as a settler cabin with palisade protection around 1770, Davidson’s Fort was enlarged in August of 1776 by militia troops under the commands of General Griffith Rutherford and was used by those troops to protect the North Carolina frontier and as the starting point of the "Rutherford Trace" in the expedition against Cherokee towns to the west.

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Catawba Falls

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Catawba Falls is the headwaters of the Catawba River and is a multi-cascade waterfall which includes the "Lower Falls" and the "Upper Falls".

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The Peavine Rail Line, once an active Norfolk Southern Railway line, is included in the company's "rails to trails" program.

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The Peavine Rail Line, once an active Norfolk Southern Railway line, is included in the company's "rails to trails" program. A 2.4 mile section is open to to the public to enjoy as a walking or bicycle trail. There are two sections of this trail. One is available from Marion's State Street Rescue Squad parking area and the second entrance is located behind the Mi Pueblito Restaurant on Rutherford Road in Marion. The State Street section is 1.5 miles, ending at the railroad trestle. The City is working with other partners to secure the trestle area as an overpass on the trail. At the time of this entry, the trestle remains closed. Walkers/bikers must retrace their steps back to the Rescue Squad area.

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National Championship winning college basketball coach for University of North Carolina and Member of Basketball Hall of Fame.

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National Championship winning college basketball coach for University of North Carolina and Member of Basketball Hall of Fame. Born in 1950 in Marion General Hospital, this historic marker stands one block north of Williams' birthplace in front of the previous town hall for Marion.

Mountain Gateway Museum

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Our museum explores and celebrates the cultural history of western North Carolina, an area spanning 38 counties from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Piedmont. We cannot wait to meet you!

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Arrowhead Monument

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At one time known as the "Gateway to the West", The Old Indian Fort built in 1756 served as the most western outpost of the United States Government and North Carolina. The town of Old Fort is named after the fort and the Arrowhead Monument was dedicated in 1930. The 14.5 foot pink granite arrowhead sits atop a river rock base of more than fifteen feet. It is located in front of the Old Fort Train Depot.

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Andrew’s Geyser Park

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Built in 1879 as a tourism attraction, Andrews Geyser was an eye-catching site for visitors reaching Old Fort by train. Named to honor Western North Carolina Railroad officer, Alexander Boyd Andrews, the geyser was part of the property surrounding the Round Knob Hotel. During those days, visitors traveled from eastern North Carolina and from the lowlands of South Carolina to enjoy the cooler summer months in the mountains. In 1903, the hotel burned and the owners decided not to rebuild. The geyser was such a popular attraction, one of its admirers paid to have it moved to the opposite side of the creek, and today it's part of a public park owned by the Town of Old Fort.

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Catawba Vale Mural

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Appreciate a vibrant depiction of two events in the history of Old Fort’s fight for civil rights. The “Old Fort Together” mural was painted by artist Don Rimx and celebrates community leaders who worked to integrate local schools.

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Centro Unido LatinX/Mexicano Mural at Mica Town Brewing

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Celebrating diversity and an inclusive environment, the mural depicts a success story of multinational cultures. Cento Unidos hopes to create secure spaces, establish cross-cultural partnerships and promote social justice, health equity, and inclusive education opportunities for our Latinx community and beyond. The mural is located on the side of Mica Town Brewing in downtown Marion.

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Historic Carson House

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Carson House maintains a unique collection of research materials and books, along with dozens of family histories in its library. The Mary M. Greenlee Genealogical Research and History Room has been a part of the house since the early 1970s, and is constantly adding to its archives. Thousands of family historians have found valuable clues to help them on their journey into their past. Access to the collection is available during regular hours at no cost. Donations are appreciated.

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Joseph McDowell House and Catawba River Greenway

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The Joseph McDowell/Catawba River Greenway is located just outside downtown Marion, NC. This paved trail follows the flow of the Catawba River. At this time, the trail is approximately 3 miles (one way) and is open to pedestrians and bicycle riders only. Dogs are permitted, on leash (according to Marion City statues). The park is open sunrise to sunset.

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Historic Marion Train Depot

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The Marion Train Depot, located at 58 Depot Street, was originally constructed in 1867 as a freight depot to serve Marion on the Western Rail Line, making the building one of the oldest surviving depots in Western North Carolina. Additions were constructed to the building in 1935 and 1952. The Depot provided passenger rail service until the 1970s. In 2005, with funding and technical assistance from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the City of Marion renovated the Marion Train Depot, which now serves as Marion's Office of Economic Development and is available for rent for meetings, parties, and other events.

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Some believe Bigfoot roams in the mountains surrounding Marion.

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Take a selfie with the Bigfoot display at 69 N Main St. in Marion.

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Over Mountain Victory Trail

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Stretching 330-miles through four states (Virginia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina) the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail traces the route used by Patriot militia during the pivotal Kings Mountain campaign of 1780. Follow the campaign by utilizing a Commemorative Motor Route which uses existing state highways marked with the distinctive trail logo, or 87 miles of walkable trails. Submit a photo along any part of the trail through McDowell County.

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NC Minerals Museum

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The Museum of North Carolina Minerals highlights the area’s rich mineral resources and the mining heritage. Discover hands-on, interactive exhibits that explore the creation of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the 3,000-year-old saga of mining.

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Emerald Village

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Emerald Village is a group of gem, mining, and historical attractions nestled deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and within an hour's drive of Asheville, Boone, and Blowing Rock. Located in a spectacular mountain setting, Emerald Village is home to 12 historic REAL mines and has been featured on National Geographic TV, the Travel Channel, and many other TV programs and Magazines. Come see why we say "Real Mines! Real Fun!" We have a lot to see and do! Be sure to bring your camera and take pictures to share back home. People come from all over the world to visit Emerald Village!

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Historic Orchard at Altapass

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For over a quarter-century, the Orchard, as a non-profit organization, has diligently worked to “save the good stuff”—regional traditions, culture, and land on which all was created. As a preservation orchard with some trees over 100 years old and still producing, we propagate the best heirloom apples possible (with the least chemicals), create a pollinator-friendly environment, and host activities for all ages that educate, enlighten, and entertain.

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Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine

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Welcome to the Lucky Strike, a gold and gem mine that also boasts a campground, where we strive to provide our visitors with a memorable and enjoyable outing. Step back in time to the days of old-fashioned gold mining by taking a pan or sluice box into the stream. Popular methods of prospecting in the river include gold panning, sluicing, and crevicing, which don't require any complicated equipment. Spend the day outdoors with your family and friends, sharing in the excitement of recreational gold mining.

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Lake James State Park

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Located in Burke and McDowell counties 50 miles northeast of Asheville, Lake James State Park includes two areas to access this picturesque lake that is perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. Campsites at both Catawba River and Paddy's Creek accesses provide an opportunity to spend the night by the lake, with some sites accessible only by paddling. Trails include bike trails at Paddy's Creek, the kid-friendly Holly Discovery Trail, the historic Overmountain Victory Trail, and the Fonta Flora State Trail.

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